Finding the needle in the haystack.

UCSF has broad expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with unknown acute infectious diseases other than neurological illnesses.

Systemic Infections

What is Sepsis?

Sepsis is a clinical syndrome that occurs as a result of the body’s response to an infection, and can rapidly lead to tissue damage, organ failure, and death. Symptoms include fever, difficulty breathing, low blood pressure, fast heart rate, and confusion.

Why is it difficult to diagnose?

Sepsis can be challenging to diagnose and treat, as early symptoms can resemble other conditions, such as heart failure. Bloodstream infections triggering sepsis can be caused by a wide variety of different microorganisms.

How we can help

The UCSF Clinical Microbiology Laboratory offers a clinical mNGS test from plasma for simultaneous detection of DNA viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites that cause sepsis. The plasma mNGS test can also be used to identify pathogens in plasma that cause disseminated infections in other organs.

See our Clinical Resources.

Respiratory Infections

What is Pneumonia?

Pneumonia is an infection of the lung.  Typical symptoms include fever, chest pain, cough, and difficulty breathing.

Why is it difficult to diagnose?

Although a doctor can clinically diagnose pneumonia from your medical history, physical exam, and chest X-ray, it can be difficult to determine what kind of microorganism is causing the pneumonia.

How we can help

The UCSF Clinical Microbiology Laboratory is validating a clinical test for simultaneous detection of all microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites) that cause pneumonia from respiratory fluids such as bronchoalveolar lavage fluid or tracheal aspirates.

See our Clinical Resources.